Judge Quashes DOJ Effort To Acquire Private Patient Information
October 30, 2025
Morning Briefing
Judge Jamal N. Whitehead of Federal District Court in the Western District of Washington ruled the Trump administration overstepped its authority when it sought data from a trans health provider. “When a federal agency issues a subpoena … to intimidate and coerce providers into abandoning lawful medical care, it exceeds its legitimate authority and abuses the judicial process,” he said.
Alaska Supreme Court Rethinks Rules On Who Can Perform Abortions
October 30, 2025
Morning Briefing
Last year, a superior court judge struck down a law that required abortions to be performed only by a doctor licensed by the state medical board, the Anchorage Daily News reported. Other states making news: Ohio, Maine, Florida, Missouri, and California.
Viral Infections Drastically Raise Risk Of Heart Disease And Stroke: Study
October 30, 2025
Morning Briefing
Researchers have zeroed in on inflammation sparked by covid, flu, and shingles as one component that explains why some people face an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease after infection. Plus, a look at how air travel fuels disease spread.
Study Links Health Issues Later In Life With Using Cannabis Before Age 15
October 30, 2025
Morning Briefing
Researchers found ties between both physical and mental health issues with early cannabis use. Other health and wellness news is on Character.AI, anti-fall technology in assisted living, the benefits of flavanol-rich foods, and food allergy reminders ahead of Halloween.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, October 30, 2025
October 30, 2025
Morning Briefing
Stay tuned tomorrow as we reveal the big winners of our Halloween health care haiku contest! 🎃 Also tomorrow: Behind on the news? Catch up with our Friday newsletter, The Week in Brief. Sign up here !
Healthcare.gov Unveils Updated Prices; Customers Could Pay Double Next Year
October 30, 2025
Morning Briefing
Newly posted prices on the federal marketplace show an average premium increase of 26%, but the actual increase will be closer to 114% unless Congress extends Obamacare tax credits, which are at the heart of the ongoing government shutdown. Meanwhile, military families say their refrigerators will be empty after food aid funding runs dry Saturday.
To Cut Drug Costs, FDA Paves Way For Easier Approval Of Copycat Biologics
October 30, 2025
Morning Briefing
The draft framework announced Wednesday lowers the standards that companies need to meet to bring the drugs to market. Also, states try to lower drug prices by regulating PBMs; how the immigration crackdown is affecting elder care; and more.
California enfrenta barreras al querer frenar redadas del ICE en entornos de salud
By Claudia Boyd-Barrett
October 30, 2025
KFF Health News Original
El gobernador demócrata Gavin Newsom promulgó el mes pasado la ley SB 81, que prohíbe a los centros médicos permitir el acceso de agentes federales a áreas privadas sin una orden judicial o de registro válidas.
First Edition: Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025
October 30, 2025
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
California Faces Limits as It Directs Health Facilities To Push Back on Immigration Raids
By Claudia Boyd-Barrett
October 30, 2025
KFF Health News Original
California now has a law requiring hospitals and clinics to improve patient privacy and have clear protocols for handling requests by immigration agents. Legal experts say the state can’t fully protect immigrant patients, because federal authorities are allowed in public places, including hospital lobbies, general waiting areas, and parking lots.
Refugees Will Be Among the First To Lose Food Stamps Under Federal Changes
By Renuka Rayasam
October 30, 2025
KFF Health News Original
Under the budget law that Republicans call the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, food assistance for refugees will be sliced. The change is sowing fear, uncertainty, and a struggle for survival — a sign of what’s to come for millions of Americans.
The Quiet Collapse of America’s Reproductive Health Safety Net
By Céline Gounder
Updated October 30, 2025
Originally Published October 30, 2025
KFF Health News Original
The HHS office that administers the Title X family planning program has been effectively shut down. And with cuts to federal funding for other family health programs, expected Medicaid cuts, and the potential lapse of ACA subsidies, health leaders fear they are seeing the biggest setback to U.S. reproductive care in half a century.
Health Experts Warn Medicare Staffing Shortage Will Impact Open Enrollment
October 29, 2025
Morning Briefing
CMS has been urged to boost staffing in order to ensure that benefits get delivered and communicated well during Medicare’s open enrollment period. Other news is on the appointment of the director of Medicaid and CHIP, Bausch Health’s exit from the 340B program, and more.
Prison Phone Rates Going Up; Critics Predict ‘Huge Implications’ On Health
October 29, 2025
Morning Briefing
The FCC voted Tuesday to dramatically raise the price limits that jails and prisons can charge. The calls, which are usually paid for by family members and friends outside of prison, have been shown to provide many mental and public health benefits, such as promoting relationships with children and reducing recidivism.
Germany To Put $1B Toward Holocaust Survivors’ Home Care In 2026
October 29, 2025
Morning Briefing
Data show that survivors are dealing with more complicated health needs and increased disability as the average age of survivors rises. Other news from around the globe is on Chinese scientists, “fertility tourism,” heat deaths, and more.
HHS Fires Top Official, A Vaccine Critic Who Says Coup To Oust RFK Jr. Is Afoot
October 29, 2025
Morning Briefing
Senior adviser Steven J. Hatfill was accused of misrepresenting his role and “not coordinating policy-making with leadership.” When he declined a request to resign, chief of staff Matt Buckham fired him. Plus, a lower-dose covid shot is available for seniors and others at risk for severe infection.
Judge Bans White House From Firing Federal Workers During Shutdown
October 29, 2025
Morning Briefing
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston of San Francisco blocked the firings, stating that the labor unions would likely win their claims that the cuts were arbitrary and politically motivated.
Trump Admin Clawing Back Authority Over States’ Medical Debt Protections
October 29, 2025
Morning Briefing
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau contends federal law invalidates state laws that prevent patients’ medical debts from being reported to credit bureaus. Separately, male veterans who have breast cancer will find it harder to get health care coverage. Plus, Texas sues the maker of Tylenol.
